Special Olympics Torch Run 04/05/00

The First Hawaiian Bank Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run 2000 will be held on Saturday, April 15, in Hilo to help raise funds for the Hawaii Special Olympics.

Big Island police officers, joined by various law enforcement agencies, will hold the run and walk to benefit the annual Special Olympics games.

The 2.3-mile torch run and one-mile walk will start at 8 a.m., just before the Special Olympics games begin at 9 a.m.

The torch run will start at the Hilo Police Station and go through downtown Hilo. The route will go down Kapiolani and Hualalai Streets, proceed down Pauahi Street, turn left on Kamehameha Avenue and then go up Waianuenue Avenue to Hilo High School.

The walk will also begin at the station, but will take a more direct route along Kapiolani Street to the high school.

Once at the school, the entire group, led by Police Chief Wayne Carvalho, will conduct a one-lap jog around the high school track and pass the torch to a Special Olympics athlete to signal the start of the games. Short ceremonies will follow.

A similar run and walk was held on Saturday, March 25, in Kona.

Hawaii law enforcement personnel have been carrying the “flame of hope” throughout the islands since 1987, so far raising more than a half-million dollars. Last year, the Hawaii County Police Department raised more than $5,100 for the Hawaii Special Olympics. Statewide, more than $81,000 was raised for the event.

Entry fees for the run and walk are $20, which entitles runners to a Torch-Run T-shirt or tank top. Registration forms may be picked up at the police Records Section in Hilo, at the Kona police station or at the Hilo Shopping Center, Kamehameha, Pahoa or Kona branches of First Hawaiian Bank. Non-participants who want to contribute to the Special Olympics may purchase the shirts at the same price.

Police officers throughout the world take part in the annual event. In Hawaii, it is named in honor of Troy Barboza, a Honolulu police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1987 and who had devoted his free time to teaching Special Olympians.

Anyone who wants more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run should contact Laurie Kaneta at 961-2346.

The Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with mental retardation.